|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Question: What's small, weighs about an ounce, and comes in dozens of different models? Answer: a Pedometer.
Would you have guessed it had I mentioned this item can help you lose weight, decrease your chance of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, and improve your overall fitness? Using a pedometer to count your steps is one of the cheapest and easiest ways available to improve your health and fitness.
The tremendous variety of pedometers available today make it difficult for people who want the health benefits of a pedometer to decide which one is right for them. There are flip-down cases versus open-face units. There are those that just count steps versus those that count steps, distance, calories and time. Some pedometers come with lights, radios, alarms, step filters, scanning, pacing, auto start/stop, memory, voice, and on and on.
The most important thing to decide is what features you need. The basics are steps, distance, calories, and time. If you're doing a 10,000 step program or something similar, you will need to know your steps. They are the foundation for all other calculations within the pedometer.
If you are interested in knowing the distance you cover in your walking or running, get a pedometer with a distance calculation (in miles or kilometers, some have both). Make sure you can set your stride length or your distance measurements will be inaccurate. When walking or running, make sure you are actually taking steps the length you entered into the pedometer.
A pedometer that measures calories burned is helpful in giving you an idea of how much energy you have expended. If you are counting calories, this can be a good way to see if you've earned that extra doughnut or not. Again, make sure you can enter your weight to get the most accurate calculation possible.
The time function comes in a variety of forms. Some pedometers will show time of day, while some have a stopwatch or countdown timer. There are units that will start and stop only when there is movement, so you don't have to start and stop a stopwatch manually.
After features, another factor will be the physical properties of the pedometer itself. What sort of case configuration will work best for you? A flip-down case means the reset, and other, buttons are protected, and you flip down the case to see your steps. An open-faced pedometer is just that, open, and you have to look upside-down at your numbers. Not bad when you are checking steps, but it can be cumbersome if you are looking at a lot of data. Some pedometers have a holster-style case where you can pull the unit off your hip and look at it.
Consider where the pedometer is manufactured. There is general agreement that the best units are made in Japan, with Taiwan a close second. Pedometers made in China are generally believed to be less accurate than Japanese or Taiwanese models.
Price is always a consideration as well. The law of "you get what you pay for" works to a certain point, but is not the only guideline you should follow. I've heard of a few people who thought their free McDonald's or Kellogg's pedometers worked well, while most of the feedback I've heard was negative. I've also seen very expensive pedometers that just weren't worth the price.
It pays to shop around and find the pedometer that will work best for you. Consider the features, the structure, and the country of origin, then factor in the price. You will end up with a pedometer that will give you motivation to keep moving throughout your life.
Download our FREE pedometer ebook: 'Simple Steps to Fitness: A Beginner's Guide to Pedometers'. It will give you more information on choosing and using your pedometer.
For those of you trying to stay in shape or... Read More
Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More
When choosing a treadmill (or any piece of exercise equipment... Read More
An ordinary scale can tell you your weight, but what... Read More
If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More
Most of us have a tendency to gain a few... Read More
When looking for a treadmill consumer guide, you won't have... Read More
Your trampoline can be an expensive item, so it's important... Read More
Are you just plain fed up? If you have spent... Read More
It always amazes me when people say "Home Gyms are... Read More
Deciding on a home fitness regime is one that will... Read More
A treadmill, although one of the best pieces of indoor... Read More
I propose Sportswear, which senses the amount of moisture from... Read More
Landice treadmills receive rave reviews from consumers and exercise magazines.... Read More
Some people order fomr various companies when in need of... Read More
Buying a home treadmill? Treadmills are still the most popular... Read More
Anyone who has ever been in a gym before is... Read More
One of the most frequently asked questions is do the... Read More
If you've ever had occasion to visit a gym, you've... Read More
Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so... Read More
Runner's World Magazine conducts an evaluation, to come up with... Read More
I am a recent newlywed, still dumbfounded by the collosal... Read More
My second favorite form of cardio exercise is using an... Read More
When buying a trainer it's important to first figure out... Read More
The Ironman Triad treadmill is a made-in-Taiwan exercise demon that... Read More
Several years ago elliptical exercisers were introduced to the fitness... Read More
Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More
Stair lifts ? all sortsNo stair lifts and 18 years... Read More
So you want to save valuable time traveling to the... Read More
One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life... Read More
Refurbished treadmills are big business. Because treadmills can be so... Read More
You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are... Read More
In today's fitness minded society, people are trying new fitness... Read More
Are you just plain fed up? If you have spent... Read More
Treadmills are ideal for exercising from home. They can be... Read More
The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise... Read More
Horizon treadmills are well built and sturdy, and their durability... Read More
Image treadmills are distributed by Icon Health and Fitness, a... Read More
I walked into the commercial gym yesterday after a long... Read More
Which is the best exercise tool, high tech machines or... Read More
In our society today, there are more and more people... Read More
Schwinn Ellipticals live up to the name Schwinn. Everyone is... Read More
The Proform XP 590s Treadmill - Storage Is XPedientThe Proform... Read More
Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked... Read More
Almost everyone has bought home exercise equipment at some point... Read More
A home treadmill offers many advantages ? just imagine, no... Read More
If you're looking to get fit but don't want to... Read More
Commercial treadmills are the machines that you see in gyms... Read More
When buying a home gym there are several things you... Read More
Should you ever consider purchasing a cheap elliptical trainer? It's... Read More
Fitness Equipment |